In summary:
- Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of culpable homicide for the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day, 2013.
- Pistorius also received a three-year sentence for a separate gun charge that was suspended, which means he won't have to serve it.
- The athlete didn't express any emotion as the sentence was read by Judge Thokozile Masipa.
- The sentence marks the end of the high-profile eight-month trial.
- Pistorius' defense team said that he could be out of prison after 10 months, at which point he would be able to apply for house arrest. However, South Africa's National Prosecution Authority (NPA) said he would have to serve at least two years in prison.
- Oscar Pistorius' uncle Arnold said the family do not intend to appeal the sentence. The NPA has yet to decide whether it will appeal.
- Reeva Steenkamp's family said they are "satisfied" with the sentence, and that "justice has been done."
You can watch a video of the sentencing here:
View this video on YouTube
Updates
Pistorius has supposedly arrived at Kgosi Mampuru prison, where he will serve his sentence.
Following the sentence, the International Paralympic Committee said it has banned Pistorius from competing for five years, the BBC reported.
The ruling means that even in the likely event Pistorius is released from prison within 10 months to two years, he would still be unable to compete in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Last month, the organization said it would not stop Pistorius from competing in Rio if he he had completed his sentence by the games.
Pistorius has now left the court, and will head to prison to start his sentence.
RT “@POWER987News: Cheers and jeers as #OscarPistorius leaves court to start his sentence. ”
It is going to take some time for the country to digest that image of Oscar Pistorius, a prisoner in custody, being led to a police car.
The Pistorius family spoke to the media outside the courtroom.
Pistorius family addresses press. #OscarTrial .@eNCAnews
They criticized the state for aggressively pushing the premeditated murder charge.
"The truth became totally irrelevant for the state's attempt to make the premeditated murder stick," said #Pistorius's Uncle Arnold
Pistorius' uncle Arnold said the athlete will "embrace" the jail sentence and welcome the opportunity to "pay back" society.
Arnold Pistorius says #OscarPistorius will "embrace" his jail sentence as an opportunity to "pay back" to society
#OscarPistorius Arnold: As an uncle, I hope Oscar will start his own healing process as he walks down path of restoration.
Arnold Pistorius said the ordeal has been "harrowing" and "exhausting" for the family.
Arnold Pistorius, uncle of #OscarPistorius, says it's been a "harrowing" and exhausting 20-month ordeal for entire family
The full statement can be read here, via The Guardian.
Oscar Pistorius' brother, Carl, tweeted the following after the sentencing:
Together in Christ we are STRONG, in Christ there can never be defeat. #livewitheternityinmind
May God gives you grace so that your salvation might be built up and not broken - regardless of the circumstance. #Hiswordwillnotreturnvoid
Position: @OscarPistorius was sentenced under Section 276 1 i) of Criminal Procedures Act - he must serve 1/6th of his sentence in custody.
Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June, appeared to smile briefly when the sentence was read out, according to reporters in the court.
#PistoriusTrial June Steenkamp smiles briefly. Perhaps some closure finally
Steenkamp lawyer Dup de Bruyn says “justice has been done”, as Reeva’s mother June gives a rare smile in court. #OscarPistorius
The Guardian said she told reporters the sentence brought a kind of closure, but that the family would be unable to receive actual closure "unless you can magic [Reeva] back."
Reeva Steenkamp's father, Barry (below, second right), told reporters he was "pleased that it's over."
Spoke to Reeva Steenkamp's father Barry who said: "I'm pleased that it's over." #Pistorius
The Guardian also reported that Barry Steenkamp said he was "very satisfied" with the sentence and felt it was sufficient.
This image was left discarded on the floor of the Steenkamp family benches following the hearing.
Pistorius' defense team said that the athlete could be out of jail after 10 months, at which point he'd be able to apply for house arrest.
#OscarPistorius will be able to apply for house arrest after 10 months in jail, a member of his legal team explains.
However, prosecution officials dispute this, saying he will have to serve at least two years.
Already a discrepancy, Steenkamp lawyer says 5 year sentence means #Pistorius will spend 2 years in jail, defence says much less time
The National Prosecution Authority said it has yet to decide whether to appeal the sentence.
#oscartrial the NPA says that it is considering an Appeal but it has 14 days to make a final decision.
The Pistorius family said they don't intend to appeal.
Asked uncle Arnold #Pistorius if there would be an appeal. He shook his head and said, "No".
The court has adjourned, after Judge Masipa thanked the counsels and the gallery.
With her final words, the Judge thanks the gallery. "It has not been easy." No, it certainly hasn't.
#OscarPistorius walks round to stairs behind him. No expression. Shakes hand with Uncle Arnold, and disappears down into the cells.
Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for culpable homicide relating to the shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
He got three years wholly suspended for a separate gun charge. The two sentences will run concurrently.
BREAKING: #OscarPistorius’ sentence: 5 years for shooting Reeva, 3 years (wholly suspended) for the gun charge.
#OscarTrial The two sentences will run concurrently.
Pistorius remained stony-faced as the sentence was read out.
Pistorius remained stony-faced for the verdict, and now seated. Appears he is far less traumatised by his own sad fate, than of Reeva's.
#OscarTrial Pistorius seemed almost resigned to the fact - there was no emotion on his face.
#Pistorius goes down the stairs to prison http://t.co/t5Stb3pFrm
He briefly shook hands with his uncle, before being led to holding cells.
Pistorius shook hands with his uncle Arnold, but there are no hugs with brother or sister. He is now an incarcerated man.
as he descended stairs to courthouse cell, #Pistorius briefly grasped the hands of family members, gave tiny shake of head & wry expression
#oscartrial Masipa says that a non custodial sentence would not be appropriate but that neither would a long sentence, suffice.
Judge Masipa says suspended sentence not appropriate.
#oscartrial Masipa says that she believes that in Oscar's case, a suspended sentence would not be appropriate.
Says sentence of three years house arrest plus community service, as suggested by defense witnesses, would not be appropriate.
Masipa says sentences suggested by Maringa and Vergeer are not appropriate. #OscarPistorius #OscarTrial
Judge Masipa is implying the Pistorius case is worse than the case law she's been citing. The case in question — the Voster case — ended up with a suspended prison sentence of three years.
Judge Masipa dismisses defence claim that #Pistorius case is similar to Voster, arguing #Pistorius's four shots into small toilet was worse
#PistoriusTrial People listening intently both inside and outside the courtroom
Judge Masipa says court should be "merciful", and should strive to keep a person out of prison wherever possible, if they are not serious criminals.
Court should be merciful, Masipa says - a glimmer of good news in a bad morning for #OscarPistorius #PistoriusTrial
#PistoriusTrial Judge says one should strive to keep people out of prison (if they not serial criminals)
Reporters in the court said Pistorius has remained motionless throughout the morning's proceedings.
#Pistorius, who has been immobile throughout the morning, clenches his jaw, sending a ripple of tendons up his cheek to his temple
The judge is dealing with case law regarding culpable homicide.
#OscarTrial Masipa dealing with case law related to culpable homicide.
Judge Masipa talks about the severe post traumatic stress of another man accused of culpable homicide, seems to be comparing w/#Pistorius
Judge Masipa talks about the severe post traumatic stress of another man accused of culpable homicide, seems to be comparing w/#Pistorius
Judge Masipa is drawing her conclusions.
#PistoriusTrial Judge teases us by saying ' in conclusion'...cant be long now
Says she faces a difficult balancing act in terms of consequences of Pistorius' negligence.
#OscarTrial Masipa has a delicate balancing act to do here, as she clearly spells out now in her conclusion.
#OscarTrial Court must have regard to degree of culpability and blameworthiness in committing the criminal act
#OscarTrial At same time actual consequences of accused negligence cannot be disregarded
#oscartrial Masipa also points out that the actions of the accused must be weighed up against the possible action of the 'reasonable person'
Masipa has moved on to Reeva's cousin Kim Martin's testimony, and says that her pain reflects that of the Steenkamps.
Masipa: Doubtless this pain reflects the pain of the parents. Loss of life cannot be reversed. Nothing I say today can reverse what happened
Judge Masipa stresses the need to differentiate between vengeance and justice.
#PistoriusTrial Judge says society demands those guilty be punished but need to differentiate between what society wants; vengence + justice
She says South Africa's constitution has ensured its legal system is not stuck in "the dark ages."
#PistoriusTrial Judge says society demands those guilty be punished but need to differentiate between what society wants; vengence + justice
And stresses the need for sentence not to be seen as "too lenient" in the eyes of the public.
if a sentence is "too lenient," the justice system can fall into disrepute and society could take law into own hands, Judge says
Masipa accepts that negative media attention could have an effect on Pistorius' reputation.
#OscarTrial Judge: It is a fact that negative media reports may affect a person's reputation, career and prospects
However, she has not taken into account other facts in the media coverage.
Masipa: Negative media reports - I have taken note of only that fact. Not other facts in the media.
The court accepts Pistorius' remorse as a mitigating factor, and his attempted apology to the Steenkamp family.
Judge Masipa now criticizing #Pistorius for his 4 shots into "small cubicle" where nobody could hide. He was trained in guns, she says
Judge Masipa describes Pistorius' crimes as "serious", and criticizes him for firing four shots into a "small cubicle" where there was no room for escape.
Judge Masipa now criticizing #Pistorius for his 4 shots into "small cubicle" where nobody could hide. He was trained in guns, she says
Judge Masipa says Pistorius has made an "enormous" contribution to society through his charity work and changing perceptions of disability.
Masipa: There is no doubt the accused made an "enormous contribution to society". He inspired. #Pistorius
Judge Masipa says Pistorius' status would not lead him to be treated differently to others in the the eyes of the law.
It would be a sad day for this country if an impression were created that there was one law for the poor & another for the rich & famous
She criticizes the defense team for drawing attention to Pistorius' vulnerability. Says he has good coping skills.
#OscarTrial Masipa says she felt unease at the emphasis placed on accused vulnerability. Says accused has excellent coping skills.
Judge Masipa says the South African prison system would be able to accommodate not only Pistorius' disability, but also treatment for his mental health.
Judge Masipa has said that South Africa can accommodate #Pistorius, who is sitting rigid in the dock, almost petrified
Judge also rejects concerns raised by the defence legal team about Pistorius mental health in prison, says resources can be found to help
Judge Masipa says she will take into account the fact Pistorius is a first-time offender.
#PistoriusTrial Being a first time offencer DOES count in the eyes of the Judge and will form a basis for her sentencing; thats the law
Masipa was impressed by the evidence of correctional services' Zac Modise's evidence.
No hesitation in accepting #Modise's evidence. He didn't paint a problem free department. 2 nil to #Nel. DCS making strides @OscarTrial199
So Judge is giving herself plenty of room for a prison sentence for #OscarPistorius but will she follow it up? Suspense building here.
Judge Masipa criticizes social worker Annette Vergeer's testimony. Said she was "slapdash" and her evidence "outdated" and "perfunctory."
Judge says what lots were thinking: "I was not impressed at all by the evidence of Mrs Vergeer as a witness".
#Vergeer not impressive. One nil to #Nel @OscarTrial199 uninformed, sketchy, outdated,biased. Disturbing for someone with 28 yrs experience
Court is back in session, and Pistorius is expected to hear his sentence within the next 90 minutes.
Judge Masipa is currently recapping the evidence given in mitigation and aggravation of sentencing last week.
This reading of sentence, by the way, has been estimated at 90 minutes. On current going, I suspect it may be quicker.
Judge Masipa thanked both counsels, and draws proceedings to a close.
We adjourn until 9:30 am local time, Oct. 21.
Roux made several corrections to Nel's argument. He rejected Nel's argument about shower rails, as Pistorius had a pedestal in his shower instead.
#OscarTrial Roux: the pedestal allows the accused to sit and use two hands. BB
Roux says The Evidence Room video leak had nothing to do with them, sold against their wishes and breaking confidentiality clause.
#OscarTrial Roux insists the offer of money to Steenkamps post judgment was not intended to influence them on sentencing.
Nel suggested Pistorius could get a bench for showering in prison.
#OscarPistorius Nel: in any prison cell Oscar can get a little bench for the shower.
Nel called for a "long incarceration." Said it's not up to court to decide on prison conditions.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel calls for a "long incarceration" for Oscar Pistorius over Reeva Steenkamp killing
Nel says Pistorius must go to jail. If correctional services can't cater for him "then we can come back" @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
Nel said that the minimum term the crime deserved was ten years imprisonment.
#PistoriusTrial Nel says minimum term that society wd be happy with would be ten years in jail
Nel brought up Pistorius' media treatment. Judge Masipa intervened to say that any reference to the media in either closing argument will be disregarded.
Nel has compared the evidence of social worker Annette Vergeer and Zac Modise. Said Modise's was strong, while rubbishing Vergeer's.
#oscartrial Nel: court will reject Vergeer's evidence - generalised, out-dated, sketchy. I was flabbergasted she based report on 2005 speech
Nel accused Pistorius of hypocrisy: that he triumphed over disability in his athletics career, but "shamelessly" using it to attempt to avoid prison in court.
Nel on disability: A man who wanted to run with able bodied athletes will now "shamelessly use it as an excuse in mitigating arguments".
#PistoriusTrial Nel admits he (Nel) is on dangerous ground and 'its crude' but suggests he's using 'handicap on call' when 'it suits'
He rubbished the argument that Pistorius should not go to prison as there are no railings in the showers. Pointed out there were no railings in Pistorius' own shower.
Nel makes a fair point, eyebrows raised: #OscarPistorius’ own shower has no railing, so why the fuss about rails in prison?
He brought up Pistorius' notorious trip to a nightclub in the wake of the trial, said these are not the actions of a remorseful person.
Nel mentions #OscarPistorius recent altercation at nightclub - "not something a remorseful or anxious person would do."
Nel has been unflinching in his attempts to stop Pistorius being portrayed as any kind of victim.
Nel brutally stripping away any pity the judge might feel for Pistorius- the Steenkamps may never recover, he says, they're the victims here
Court is back in session. Nel quotes the case history in regard to negligence. Argued that this level of negligence borders on the murder charge of dolus eventualis.
#OscarTrial Nel resumes by arguing that this is negligence bordering on dolus eventualis, evidently still bruised from the judgment.
#OscarTrial Nel pushing hard that this is borderline eventualis so should be a heavy culp type sentence more in line with murder conviction.
He drew the court's attention to Pistorius' response that he didn't fire a warning shot because he was concerned it would ricochet towards him. Said this suggests he was thinking clearly.
Nel picks up on Pistorius's response that he didn't fire warning shot into the shower,suggesting he was thinking clearly,not just in a panic
Nel suggested that Pistorius' has sought to portray himself as a victim throughout the trial process.
Nel does impersonation of Pistorius, who he suggests is unjustifiably portraying himself as victim of state and media @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
Pistorius has become visibly emotional in the hearing today.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel started his closing argument by saying sentence must take into account what society wants.
#oscartrial Nel says society is involved in sentencing and court must take 'us' into account. What 'we' want.
#oscartrial Nel: society must ask what will happen if I walk in my house, fire four shots into a little cubicle? What will the court do?
He said the court needs to think about Reeva Steenkamp, and her family, rather than Pistorius. Said the court has been thinking about Pistorius for months. Said court was lucky to hear from Steenkamp's cousin Kim Martin.
#oscartrial Nel: losing a child is the most devastating thing that can happen to anyone - we were lucky to hear Martin, she represents us..
#oscartrial Nel: the softly-spoken words of Martin imploring the court trumps every other noise, screams, shots heard in the court.
Nel lambasted Pistorius' offers of payment to the Steenkamp family. Said it was an attempt to influence sentencing.
#oscartrial Nel: when I heard that the family was so financially deprived that they had to accept R6000 advance on settlement I was saddened
#oscartrial Nel questions the timing of the settlement offer. It would be different if Pistorius had offered it after the trial.
Nel said the concept of a sentence of correctional supervision is "shockingly disproportionate" to Pistorius' crime.
#OscarTrial Nel: that suggested sentence is shockingly disproportionate to the crime. BB
He emphasized that Reeva did nothing to contribute to her death.
The deceased did nothing to contribute to her own death - didn't run out, she stood behind the door #oscartrial Nel says Reeva was innocent
Three more bullets ripped through her body #oscartrial Nel says it was horrific, how Reeva died behind the door.
Nel emphasized that, though the Steenkamps were poor, they were incredibly loving, and that should be considered.
#OscarTrial Nel: Here we have a family that made up in love, what they lacked in financial means.
Roux talked about the "unfairness" of the media's treatment of Pistorius.
#oscartrial Roux lambasts the media, social media for how they treated accused, also in Dewani case.
#oscartrial Roux lambasts media for making Pistorius into a 'cold blooded killer'.
Roux said society has moved on, that people should move away from the initial instinct that someone does something bad, they should go to prison. Prison should be last resort.
Roux: First reaction is that offender must go to prison. "Be careful that you don't become trapped in that mindset. Society has moved on."
Said consequences for Pistorius have already been awful.
#oscartrial Roux: he lost the person he love, lots self respect, dignity, friends, career, income...everything.
He has said that the offer of money made to Reeva Steenkamp's parents was private and sincere.
#oscartrial Roux: on the money...it's not about the money...it's just showing him to the court - when approached, he helped, no fanfare.
He said correctional supervision and community service is a punishment, but it is restorative, rather than retributive like a prison sentence.
Roux on prison sentence: "It can never be consistent with ubuntu, consistent with restorative justice. It would be retribution." #Pistorius
Roux said Pistorius desperately felt the need to apologize, but the Steenkamps' lawyer thought it not appropriate to pass letters Pistorius wrote onto them. Roux finished his argument.
#oscartrial Roux is done. Nel says sentencing is different from technicalities of judgement.
Closing arguments are underway, with the defense's Barry Roux going first. He said the decision must ultimately be approached in the context of a "tragic event" and that the loss of the Steenkamp's child is the "greatest devastation."
#oscartrial Roux says the basis on which to approach this is that the loss of a child is without any argument devastating.
#oscartrial Roux says Pistorius accepts the judgement.
Roux emphasized Pistorius' belief that he "genuinely, though erroneously" believed there was an intruder behind his bathroom door.
#oscartrial Roux summarises that Pistorius honestly but erroneously believed his life was endangered.
#oscartrial Roux: court found clearly that he did not subjectively foresee he could kill person behind the door...let alone the deceased.
He maintained Pistorius did not conciously act unlawfully
#oscartrial Roux: there was no conscious deviousness...
Roux brought up the concept of ubuntu: that the punishment should be about restorative justice and giving something back to society.
Roux arguing Pistorius's punishment should be centred around ubuntu, an impt concept here in SA & a big rhetoric move
#oscartrial Roux: the test is what is in the interest of society - that's why court is there, custodian of the interest of society.
According to reporters in the court, sentencing looks like it may not come until early next week.
Clear from multiple sources that #OscarPistorius sentence will be on Tuesday not tomorrow.
Proceedings resumed. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said he has no more witnesses.
No more witnesses for the state, says Nel, having kept to his initial count of 2. Suggests final #OscarPistorius arguments tmw.
Court then adjourned for the day, with closing arguments to come tomorrow.
#OscarTrial Closing arguments in sentencing tomorrow.
Reeva Steenkamp's cousin, Kim Martin, who finished her testimony today, has tweeted this:
Tx for all the messages of support, Reeva really was with me. Lets keep her voice alive. #ReevaSteenkamp #Love.
Referring to the debate in court over the safety and privacy of showers in prison, Martin said:
Reeva will never shower with or without doors ever again
During the break, there is a disturbance in court when self-confessed killer Mikey Schultz is removed from benches reserved for the Pistorius family and supporters. Pistorius' sister Aimee ends up in tears.
RT @barrybateman: #OscarTrial Mikey Schultz and a friend have just taken up a seat in front of me in the Pistorius family row. BB
For those unschooled in SA crime world, Mikey Schultz is the self-confessed killer of mine magnate Brett Kebble
#OscarTrial Aimee’s concern with Schultz sitting on the bench is that it may create the impression that “they’re associated with us”. BB
#OscarTrial several Pistorius family members have raised their concerns with the court orderlies. BB
#OscarTrial Aimee is now crying. Details unclear. BB
#OscarTrial according to word from the Pistorius’s, Scgultz allegedly mouthed 𠇏**k you” at Aimee. BB
After the break, Modise confirmed there were 22 cells in the hospital section, only 7 of which are occupied.
#oscartrial Modise describes how access is controlled to hospital section. He says there are 22 cells in hospital section, only 7 occupied.
Modise says he knows there are seven cells occupied, but is unsure how many patients are on the wards.
However, Roux points out the staff-to-prisoner ratio.
#oscartrial Modise lists spaces available, personnel on duty at Kgosi Mampuru. Roux points out ratio of 1 doctor for 7000 inmates...
Modise said Pistorius would be assessed for single cell suitability before arrives. Roux accused Modise of rowing back on promises.
Roux says Modise already rowing back on promises, talking re OP being assessed for single cell suitability when he said before he'd get one
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel asked Modise a few questions about access to a private medical practitioner, before asking for a long lunch break to prepare a witness, and says he'll be done by tomorrow.
#OscarTrial Nel wants to stand down until 2pm - he says they will be ready to finalise argument. BB
The court adjourns.
Roux got an admission from Modise that Pistorius would have to go in the hospital section of Pretoria Central prison, rather than the general section.
Roux asks if he can go to Pretoria Central to verify Modise's claims. Modise agrees hospital section rather than general section wd suit OP
However, Modise says he does not know how many suitable cells are available in that section.
Roux says he's only dealing with hospital section #oscartrial Modise is unaware of numbers of cells available.
Court has adjourned for half an hour to give Modise the time to find out.
Court adjourns so Modise can send an official to check on numbers. Judge adjourns but not before thanking us for her birthday clap.
Roux has read a newspaper story about the leader of the notorius 26s gang making a specific threat to Pistorius' safety in prison. Modise said he's not aware of the story. Roux said he's surprised, as it had been widely reported.
#PistoriusTrial Roux reads from paper saying the General of the 26's gang had reported OP's riches wd be useless in jail; he'd be taken out
Roux quotes, "This jailbird promised Pistorius hell, saying his wealth would not buy him a lavish prison lifestyle": http://t.co/qx1VXDCUy3
The defense's Barry Roux has started his cross examination of Modise by discussing a newspaper report looking into an increase in torture cases in South African prisons, and the concerns of various NGOs.
Roux reads from the Star newspaper from yesterday that says the department as come under attack for increase in torture cases. #oscartrial
Modise says one has to put the objective of NGOs into perspective - they don't verify findings before they publish #oscartrial
#PistoriusTrial Modise is squirming now. He's rubbishing the Wits Justice Project which investigates prison injustice
Next prosecution witness is Moleko Zac Modise. Modise works for the department of correctional services, and is the acting national commissioner.
Nel asked Modise about his involvement in the Jali Commission, which looked at putting an end to corruption and inhumane conditions in the prison system.
Modise: I had to put measures in place to arrest the corruption, end inhumane incarceration and ensure prisoner complaints were attended to.
Nel got Modise to refute Vergeer's testimony yesterday that the South African prison system would not have the facilities needed with which to deal with Pistorius' needs.
Nel: So there will be facilities in the country that will be able to deal with every kind of offender? Modise: "Correct." #Pistorius
Nel: Is it possible to keep a specific inmate at a hospital? Modise: Correct. Nel: Accommodate in single cells? Modise: Correct.
Modise: If a specific inmate wants his own medical practitioner, is that possible? Modise: That's possible. #Pistorius
Modise confirms that "we can cope" with disabled prisoner like #OscarPistorius
#PistoriusTrial Modise says he had photos taken at Pretoria Central prison only y'day showing both baths and rails (enabling OP to wash)
Court is back in session for the fourth day of Pistorius' sentencing hearing. Proceedings began with prosecutor Gerrie Nel wishing Judge Masipa a happy 67th birthday, to applause from the court.
He then briefly continued the questioning of Reeva Steenkamp's cousin, Kim Martin.
Martin said Pistorius needs to "pay" for what he's done, and the sentence must "send a message."
#OscarTrial Martin: Mr Pistorius must pay for what he has done to my family and to his family. Must send a message to society.
Martin doesn't feel "the suggested punishments (i.e. no prison) would fit the crime." #OscarPistorius
The defense's Barry Roux started his brief questioning of Martin. He contradicts Martin's testimony yesterday that Steenkamp spent Christmas alone.
#PistoriusTrial Roux asks about Christmas and insists the couple had Christmas dinner together (y'day the view was Reeva had been alone)
He also pointed out that he wrote a number of letters to the Steenkamps following the shooting, something that Martin was not aware of.
#OscarPistorius Roux: he wrote a number of letters to Reeva's parents after shooting, but was advised by their family lawyer not to send
Martin's questioning has finished.
Oscar Pistorius leaving court on day 3 of sentencing hearing. He broke down when Kim Martin spoke about Reeva's life.
Prosecutor Nel has asked for time to go through something with his witness, Reeva's cousin Kim Martin.
The defense's Barry Roux has said he only has two short questions for her, but Nel insists he needs the court to be adjourned until tomorrow. Judge Masipa agrees, but reminds the counsels that she is "only available this week".
Nel says he'll be finished with his evidence tomorrow afternoon. It looks as though a sentence, or at the very least and end to the arguments, will come this week.
Judge Masipa asks if they will be finished this week. Says not available next week and the week after and the week after and the week after!
Sighs from Pistorius benches as the state presses to extend their wait for a result on sentencing. Judge reluctantly grants adjournment.
Court is adjourned until 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Prior to the request for an adjournment, Martin was recounting her one meeting with Pistorius at a Cape Town restaurant, when Pistorius became "agitated" at the poor quality of service.
She said she didn't notice much affection between the couple, and had asked Steenkamp if she was happy, to which she replied: "Yes, but we need to talk."
She was never able to further question her cousin on the matter, something which has "bothered" her ever since.
Martin says this has bothered her "forever", not pressing her on what she meant. #PistoriusTrial
Martin's testimony is proving emotional not only the Steenkamp family, but the entire courtroom. Martin has broken down in tears.
She has talked about Reeva's love for her family, her love of animals, her past relationships and her the financial hardship her family had been through.
She said the money she got during her early modeling career was used to cover her parents' medical insurance.
#PistoriusTrial Reeva's father Barry seems to be crying. Must be hard listening to tales of his daughter's childhood
Martin: Reeva was kind and generous. She got that from her parents @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel asked Martin about the day Steenkamp was shot. She said she was on her way to work with her husband when the news came across the car radio.
She said that, as it had not been confirmed the victim was Steenkamp, she tried repeatedly to ring her, but received no answer. Martin said she started to scream.
She went to he mother's house, and found her mother hysterical, which is when she realised Reeva was dead.
"It was for me the end of the world," Martin said.
She said the news "ruined the whole family". She said that Reeva's mother June was hysterical, and had to be medicated. Her father Barry was "crying, crying, crying."
#PistoriusTrial She's crying as she says;Its ruined our whole family. Its ruined Auntie June and Uncle Barry. They adored her'
#PistoriusTrial Kim Martin: We were all like, why, why, why Reeva?' Describes the extended family falling apart, fighting, crying
Many in the court began crying at Martin's testimony.
#PistoriusTrial Alot of people in the court crying now. Hard listening to this pain
Martin says that Reeva Steenkamp's father Barry wanted to take to the stand, but didn't feel he was able to. Martin said she felt Reeva needed her voice to be heard.
Martin's eldest daughter is doing her final Matric (A Level) drama exam today. "I knew I had to be here today. I had to do this for Reeva."
The court is back in session. Reeva's Steenkamp's cousin, Kim Martin, is the first prosecution witness in the sentencing proceedings.
First Steenkamp family witness we've seen in this long legal process. #OscarPistorius
#OscarTrial Martin: I am Reeva’s eldest cousin, I’m 12 years older than her. BB
Nel has called for an adjournment for lunch, and told Judge Masipa there will be three more witnesses.
Nel tells Masipa he will call "three or four" witnesses but they should not take too long. #Pistorius
The defense's Barry Roux has asked to read a press statement released by the Steenkamp regarding stipends paid to them by Pistorius for the record.
Roux reading lawyers' statement: "We have advised the parents to remain neutral in regard to sentence in the sense that they should not..."
"be seen to attempt to influence the sentence in any way." #Pistorius
Lawyers' statement: "We were therefore quite surprised yesterday when this fact was disclosed in court without any prior warning to us."
Lawyers' statement: #Pistorius settlement offer "was considered especially because the parents were emotionally suffering quite badly".
Lawyers' statement: The Steenkamps "decided, for various reasons, that they did not want any payment from Mr #Pistorius".
Nel has finished his questioning of social worker Annette Vergeer, by reiterating that he feels her suggestion of a sentence involving community service is inappropriate.
prosecutor Nel says it would be "shockingly inappropriate" if #Pistorius is sentenced to community service (as social worker suggests)
The court is back in session.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel asked Vergeer about her description of Pistorius as "broken". Said Pistorius is not the victim here.
You say he's a broken person...he's a broken person because of what he did...we have to weigh it against broken family #oscartrial
He said that Vergeer is biased against prisons, and has discussed her drawing attention to the availability of condoms in prison in her report.
Nel accused the probation officer of being biased against prisons & gays - because she thinks #Pistorius will meet the latter in the former
"Are you discriminating against homosexual consensual sex?" says Nel after Vergeer says it's not good condoms r in prison b/c it's all male
Vergeer says there is little privacy in prison, people would be exposed to sex without a choice #oscartrial
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel has resumed his cross examination of social worker Annette Vergeer.
Nel is focusing on questioning the reliability of Vegeer's report into Pistorius' suitability (or lack of) for a prison sentence.
#OscarTrial The prosecutor appears to be trying to portray Ms Vergeer as a slapdash ignoramus with unreliable and biased conclusions
Nel has queried the recency of Vergeer's research, which led to her concluding that South Africa's prisons are violent or overcrowded.
#OscarTrial another of Vergeer’s research reference’s dates back to 2008. She has nothing more recent than that. BB
He has pointed to several holes into Vergeer's knowledge of prison governance. She did not know that prisoners are able to apply for a single cell, for example.
#OscarTrial Nel criticises Vergeer for making her comments without knowing how the prison system is run. BB
Nel she is "irresponsible" to testify in the way she has without a full knowledge of the prison system.
Nel: "I find it so, so irresponsible" that you would not know. Vergeer: "I can't find out everything from a specific department." #Pistorius
They also went back discussing whether Pistorius' disability would lead to him being vulnerable in prison.
Vergeer: it's not just that Oscar Pistorius is physically disabled. It's the limitations placed on him @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
They also discussed access to psychiatric services in prison. Vergeer didn't know such services were available to all prisoners, but questions the validity of Nel's argument.
Vergeer: "I cannot deny the regulations but I really believe one should be practical and realistic as well." #Pistorius
Nel argued that the free treatment in prison may be of benefit to Pistorius, as his precarious financial situation may prevent him from paying for it outside.
#OscarTrial Nel: the accused is unemployed and has no funds to pay for treatment - the court will do him a favour: free treatment in prison.
We're about to enter the third day of Oscar Pistorius' sentencing. The athlete has arrived at the Pretoria courtroom.
Oscar Pistorius arrives on Wednesday morning for the third day of his sentencing court hearing in Pretoria.
More details are emerging of the payments Pistorius has both sent, and attempted to send, the Steenkamp family.
The Guardian reported that the family rejected an offer of 375 000 rand (nearly $34,000) from the athlete. Pistorius had garnered the money from the sale of a car, but the Steenkamps' lawyer said that they did not want to accept what they saw as "blood money".
He also placed on record that the family would pay back "every cent" of the monthly stipends it emerged Pistorius had been paying them.
Pistorius reportedly wanted to keep the stipends secret, but the Steenkamps were ready to go public.
De Bruyn said that the Steenkamps were ready to go public with the financial arrangement but that the #Pistorius wanted to keep it secret
The Steenkamp's lawyer said they have been receiving R6,000/month ($545) from #OscarPistorius since last March. Had to keep it confidential.
#oscartrial Du Bruyn says he's done some deals on their behalf - then they needed the money, now they don't want 'blood money'
De Bruyn said they accepted the money out of necessity:
Their lawyer said that they "needed it to live"
The payments have now ceased:
Du Bruyn said the payments have now ceased #oscartrial
It has also emerged that the Steenkamps have no intention of pursuing a civil case against Pistorius, and instead want "closure".
The Steenkamps are not pursuing a civil case against #Pistorius. "They want closure and for this to be over," says their lawyer
The court has adjourned for the day.
Nel asked whether, if someone were to testify that Vergeer's testimony was wrong, she would change her mind:
#OscarTrial Nel: if someone testified that you are wrong, that a prison can cater for a disabled person, would you change you mind? BB
The defense's Barry Roux asked Nel to clarify what he meant by "wrong":
Nel clarifies that Vergeer is wrong in respect of the fact that prisons can't cater for Pistorius #oscartrial
Vergeer said she would not, as Pistorius is "vulnerable."
Vergeer: my opinion is that the accused is vulnerable. Nel: Vulnerable people should not go to jail? @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
"The accused can not stand up for himself," says Vergeer about #Pistorius, arguing he is vulnerable
Court resumes, Nel continues to question Vergeer.
Nel has continued to attack Vergeer's argument that South African prisons would not be suitable in Pistorius' case.
Nel attacks Vergeer's evidence, saying it's all hearsay, generalizations #oscartrial
Nel points out that Pistorius could be held in a private cell with toilet facilities #oscartrial Vergeer said there's only a basin.
Nel suggested the court adjourns, Judge Masipa accepted his request.
Nel and Vergeer argued over details of the judgment, and Judge Masipa rebuked her for avoiding answering his questions.
Finally Judge Masipa intervenes and warns Vergeer that she could spend days on the witness stand if she doesn't answer. She's over it too.
They discussed how Pistorius would cope with his disability in prison.
#OscarTrial Nel asks about OP coping without legs in prison. Vergeer suggests he will be vulnerable to gang rape without legs.
#OscarTrial This exchange bordering on farcical. 'You cannot glue his legs to his body', says Vergeer, verging on giggles.
The prosecution's Gerrie Nel moves on to cross examining Vergeer. He won a key confession, that she's working privately for Pistorius' defense team, not the state.
A critical note: Nel confirms with Vergeer that she’s working in her private capacity for #OscarPistorius' defence here, not for the state.
Vergeer suggested three years correctional supervision (house arrest), and community service.
#oscartrial Vergeer reiterates suggestion of three years of correctional supervision, with community work, therapy, life skills programmes.
She argued that prison would "break him", and not be beneficial to his rehabilitation. She said that he is "an extremely broken person, who would only deteriorate" if incarcerated.
Vergeer: Oscar Pistorius is clearly a broken person. His sentence began on day he shot the deceased. @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
She pointed out that the South African prison system is overcrowded, and lack facilities to deal with Pistorius' disability. She gave a dismal assessment of conditions in South African prisons.
People are locked up for up to 15 hours a day, inappropriate facilities, exposed to sexual assault - physically detrimental #oscartrial
Vergeer said it is "highly unlikely" Pistorius will re-offend, and said that he pays a "monthly sum" to Reeva Steenkamps family, which she sees as indicative of his remorse.
So far, she seems to be recommending not sending Pistorius to prison.
Vergeer seems to be leaning away from imprisonment. #OscarPistorius
#oscartrial Vergeer: rehabilitation in prison is not likely...with correctional supervision he could address anxiety, be monitored.
Pistorius has 'above average potential for reform' according to Vergeer's report #oscartrial
Roux has ended his re-examination of Van Zyl. The next witness is probation officer Annette Vergeer.
Probation officer Annette Vergeer reads from report she compiled on Oscar Pistorius - and his suitability for jail @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
Annette Vergeer, an Afrikaans woman with dark hair and a striking blond quiff, says she's put together an objective, neutral, report.
Court is back in session once again, with the defense's Barry Roux questioning Van Zyl once more.
Roux seeking to show that - while some of OP charity work linked to his sponsorships - he also used his own money to support charity
Seems people dont get why painting OP as a good guy is NB.The defence MUST show OP's not someone who needs to be detained because hes "evil"
Oscar Pistorius has arrived at the North Gauteng County Court in Pretoria for the second day of his sentencing.
Court came back into session briefly, with Van Zyl continuing to run through Pistorius' various chariable endeavors and sponsorships.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel is handed a thick document, and asks the judge to adjourn to give him time to study, and Judge Masipa grants an early adjournment.
Nel asks to stand matter down until tomorrow to study documents, do own research - he's just been given the thick document #oscartrial
Maringa said Pistorius would be a good candidate for house arrest, subject to strict conditions.
Maringa - recommended that court consider "correctional supervision" as sentence. i.e. house arrest. #OscarPistorius
Maringa talks of "strict controls and management" of #OscarPistorius to prevent further crimes.
Maringa said also that he would be a good candidate for community service.
#OscarTrial Maringa suggests house arrest. Suggests community service for sixteen hours a month to satisfy demand for retribution.
Hartzenberg has been excused. The next witness is Joel Maringa, a social worker from South African correctional services.
He has prepared a report looking at Pistorius' suitability for house arrest, rather than a prison sentence.
The first defense witness is psychologist Dr Lore Hartzenberg, who counselled Pistorius after the shooting of Reeva Steenkamp. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel is cross examining her.
She says that she does not feel Pistorius showed any intention of resuming his career as an athlete during their sessions.
She described Pistorus as "a broken man who has lost everything."
Dr H says it was her "impression" that #OscarPistorius did not intend to resume his career. Nel remains incredulous.
Hartzenberg talked about Pistorius' emotional state following the shooting. Said he was suffering from depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
#OscarTrial Hartzenberg speaks to retching, emotional outbursts, perspiring - likely attempt by defence to give displays credence.
After a lengthy adjournment, Nel pushed Dr. Hartzenberg on Pistorius' love life after the death of Reeva Steenkamp, and whether she knew anything about any new relationships.
This sentencing hearing to focus on #oscarpistorius character ... Less about law, facts more on perceptions of remorse and guilt.
Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius is back in North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, for sentencing after being found guilty of culpable homicide over the death of his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Culpable homicide carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail, and no minimum sentence. Pistorius could walk away without any jail time at all.
The sentencing process takes the form of a mini trial, with Judge Thokozile Masipa calling witnesses to present evidence in mitigation and aggravation of sentencing, The Guardian reported.
The process could take three days, although Judge Masipa said she "hopes" to have things wrapped up within a week.
The defense is likely to call four witnesses, while the prosecution will call at least two.